Male Snail Kite

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

One more Snail Kite eating of all things a fish. According to Jim Neiger, this is a first for him and certainly for me. Shooting info below:
Camera Model: NIKON D3
Camera serial number: 2001016
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Windows
Owner: Wheeler McDougal Jr.
Date/Time: 2010:03:05 16:15:51
Copyright: Wheeler McDougal Jr.
Shutter speed: 1/640 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
Lens: 200 to 400mm
Focal length: 400mm
Focal length: 400mm (in 35mm film)
Subject distance: 15 m
Image size: 682 x 887
White balance: Fine weather
Color space: sRGB
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Contrast: Normal

[Paul Lagasi]

This is an interesting image...I also thought they only ate apple snails..apparently not though..I found this online:

Snail Kites have been observed eating other prey items in Florida, including crayfish (http://www.birdphotographers.net/wiki/Crayfish) in the genus Procambarus (http://www.birdphotographers.net/wiki/Procambarus) and Black Crappie (http://www.birdphotographers.net/wiki/Crappie). It is believed that Snail Kites turn to these alternatives only when apple snails become scarce, such as during drought,<SUP id=cite_ref-3 class=reference>[4] (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/#cite_note-3)</SUP> but further study is needed. On 14 May 2007, a birdwatcher photographed a Snail Kite feeding at a Red Swamp Crayfish (http://www.birdphotographers.net/wiki/Procambarus_clarkii) farm in Clarendon County, South Carolina (http://www.birdphotographers.net/wiki/Clarendon_County,_South_Carolina)

Image a little soft, I'd try running it in ACR, see what results you can get with a little sharpening. Its still an interesting image because of the fish..

[Steve Maxson]

An interesting behavioral image, Wheeler. Also, interesting info on feeding habits of this species by you and Paul. I would suggest trying to sharpen the image a little more and perhaps toning down the bright areas on the leg and aluminum band. :)

[Fabs Forns]

Very good image from a behavioral standpoint. Unfortunately, the face is out of focus. Don't know how much you can b able to fix it with Unsharp mask.

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

Here is my attempt at sharpening. Hope you all like it.

[Steve Maxson]

The repost looks a lot better, Wheeler. :)

[Bryan Hix]

Not a bad behavior shot. Wish the head angle were better. My suggestion would be to tone down the talons and jewelry :) as it really draws attention right to it.